The head of the University of Texas system will discuss higher education and the future of research universities, amid an ongoing debate over the future of the state’s institutions.

UT System Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa is scheduled to speak Tuesday at a meeting in Dallas, along with former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The event is supposed to highlight partnerships between higher education institutions, government and private businesses.

Lawmakers and regents have been mired in a battle over university research and the future of UT President Bill Powers. The legislature passed a resolution in February supporting Powers, amid accusations that some regents want him out.